Committee voices concerns over Sikh inmates' continued detention
A four‑person delegation—Gurdeep Singh Bathinda, lawyer Jaspal Singh Manjhpur, Pal Singh France and Balwinder Pal Singh—approached Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to press for the release of Sikh prisoners serving extended sentences.
The group argued that numerous cases warrant re‑examination under existing statutes and asked the government to undertake a comprehensive audit that balances humanitarian considerations with legal imperatives.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s response
Mann listened carefully and assured that his administration would scrutinise each file with due diligence. He emphasized that any remedial action must be anchored in law and respect procedural safeguards.
He further noted that pending legal matters left unresolved by previous governments would be prioritised, and that the state would explore every legitimate avenue before reaching a decision on releases.
Next steps and public reaction
Following the meeting, Mann shared a brief on social media, highlighting the government’s sensitivity to the issue and its commitment to a lawful resolution.
The committee, which has campaigned for months, regards the audience with the chief minister as a turning point that could accelerate negotiations and shape forthcoming policy actions.
